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Private Istanbul Personalized Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
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Duration
Design your perfect day in Istanbul with a...
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Overview
- Duration:12 hours 0 minutes
- Travelers:1 - 7 guests
- Tour Type:Luxury Tour, Private tour
- Language:English
On some days the best luxury is simply space and quiet. This private day tour to Sapanca and Maşukiye is designed for guests who want to step away from Istanbul’s traffic and spend a day surrounded by trees, water and fresh air, without having to drive or follow a group schedule.
Your driver and guide collect you from your hotel in the morning and you head east, leaving the city skyline behind. As the road opens up and the buildings thin out, you start to see fields, low hills and, eventually, the calm surface of Sapanca Lake stretching across the valley.
Around the lake, you can take an easy walk along the promenade, sit at a café with tea by the water or simply enjoy the view from the comfort of the vehicle. Later you continue to Maşukiye, a village known for its streams, small waterfalls and restaurants built on wooden platforms above the water.
There is time for a relaxed lunch at one of these creek-side places, where you can hear the sound of the water beneath your feet while tasting fresh salads, grilled meats and village-style breakfasts. In the afternoon, depending on the season, you may drive towards Kartepe for wider views or stop for short forest walks and photo breaks. The day ends with a smooth drive back to Istanbul, arriving in the early evening feeling like you’ve been away much longer than just a day.
Your driver and guide collect you from your hotel in the morning and you head east, leaving the city skyline behind. As the road opens up and the buildings thin out, you start to see fields, low hills and, eventually, the calm surface of Sapanca Lake stretching across the valley.
Around the lake, you can take an easy walk along the promenade, sit at a café with tea by the water or simply enjoy the view from the comfort of the vehicle. Later you continue to Maşukiye, a village known for its streams, small waterfalls and restaurants built on wooden platforms above the water.
There is time for a relaxed lunch at one of these creek-side places, where you can hear the sound of the water beneath your feet while tasting fresh salads, grilled meats and village-style breakfasts. In the afternoon, depending on the season, you may drive towards Kartepe for wider views or stop for short forest walks and photo breaks. The day ends with a smooth drive back to Istanbul, arriving in the early evening feeling like you’ve been away much longer than just a day.
Highlights
- Full-day private escape from Istanbul to Sapanca Lake and the village of Maşukiye.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with private driver and guide, without rushing or fixed group timings.
- Relaxed lakeside walk and free time around Sapanca Lake for photos, coffee or simply enjoying the view.
- Creek-side lunch stop in Maşukiye at a restaurant built above the water, with local specialities.
- Optional short forest walks or a drive towards Kartepe for wider views, adapted to the season and your preferences.
Itinerary
Hotel Pick-Up & Drive to Sapanca
Time: 08:00 – 10:00
Route: Istanbul to Sapanca Lake
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel and you leave Istanbul heading east. As you travel, your guide explains the geography of the region and points out landmarks along the highway. A short comfort stop can be made on the way if you wish.
Sapanca Lake Promenade & Coffee Break
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Location: Sapanca lakeside
Arrive at Sapanca Lake and enjoy an easy walk along the waterfront promenade. Sit at a café with tea or Turkish coffee while looking out over the water and low green hills. There is time for relaxed photos and quiet moments rather than a rushed schedule.
Maşukiye Village & Creek-Side Lunch
Time: 12:00 – 14:30
Location: Maşukiye
Continue to Maşukiye, a village surrounded by forests and streams. Choose a restaurant built on wooden terraces above the water, where you can hear the creek beneath you as you eat. Your guide helps you order local dishes and explains the regional flavours. Lunch is flexible and paid directly.
Forest Roads & Optional Kartepe Viewpoints
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Route: Around Maşukiye and up towards Kartepe (seasonal)
After lunch, take a short drive along forest roads for fresh air and views. In suitable weather, you may continue up towards Kartepe for a wider look over the region. Walking segments are kept gentle and can be shortened or extended depending on your energy.
Return Drive to Istanbul
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Route: Maşukiye back to Istanbul
Sit back in your vehicle for the journey home. Your guide can suggest plans for the evening in Istanbul or simply let you rest while the city lights come back into view.
Tour maps
Includes/Excludes
- Private round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from central Istanbul hotels.
- Licensed, English-speaking guide for the full day (other languages on request).
- Road tolls, parking fees and driver expenses for the Sapanca and Maşukiye region.
- Flexible itinerary with time for lakeside walks, village stops and photo breaks.
- Personalised recommendations from your guide for lunch options and optional activities.
- Lunch and drinks in Sapanca or Maşukiye (paid directly according to your order).
- Any optional activities such as ATV rides, zip-lines or seasonal cable car tickets.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, extra snacks or additional drinks.
- Gratuities for guide and driver (optional, at your discretion).
- Hotel pick-up outside central Istanbul or on the Asian side (available with a supplement).
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Istanbul to Sapanca and Maşukiye?
Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from central Istanbul to Sapanca takes around two hours each way. Travel times can be longer on weekends and holidays, which is one reason why we use a private vehicle and flexible schedule.
Is this tour suitable for children or older travellers?
Yes. The walking is mostly on flat promenades and village paths, and we can shorten or adapt the walking portions for guests who prefer to stay close to the vehicle. Families often enjoy the open space and nature compared to the city.
What kind of lunch is available in Maşukiye?
Restaurants in Maşukiye typically serve village-style breakfasts, grills, fresh salads and simple local dishes. Your guide can recommend places that match your preferences and help you order. Lunch is paid directly at the restaurant so you can choose freely.
Are there any extra activities we should plan for?
Some guests choose to add optional activities such as ATV rides, zip-lines or seasonal cable car rides towards Kartepe. These are not included in the tour price and are available only when conditions and opening times permit. Your guide can advise on the day.
Extra Services
Airport transfers
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available
$30.00/person
Childcare services
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available
$65.00/person
Photography
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available
$22.00/package
from$1,000.00 /group
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
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